Shengsi fisherman's song wins provincial gold award

Performers of I Wanna Live up to 100 Years Old, a Shengsi fisherman's song from Shengsi county, Zhoushan on the stage of the 17th Zhejiang New Music Singing and Performing Competition [Photo/ssnews.zjol.com] 

I Wanna Live up to 100 Years Old, a Shengsi fisherman's song from Shengsi county, Zhoushan, won a gold award in the 17th Zhejiang New Music Singing and Performing Competition, which was held recently in Jinhua city, Zhejiang province. 

The Shengsi fisherman's song, originally a folk song created and sang by local fishermen during their fishing work, has developed into a unique form of local art over the years. It is now an intangible cultural heritage under provincial protection. 

The song, composed by Shu Xinhu from the Shengsi Cultural Center, describes the happy life of elderly people after retirement on the islands of the city, thanks to the nation's reform and opening-up policy that was initiated 40 years ago. 

"I would feel regret if I didn't live up to 100 years old, under such a good policy," said Shu, adding that he was inspired by the “two centenary goals” proposed by the central government.

The "two centenary goals" refer to building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2021, which will be the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, and building a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious by 2049, which will be the 100th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. 

"As the retired elderly group, we may not be able to live up to 2049, but we really want to see the new look of our nation after the two goals are fulfilled," said Shu. 

In addition, another song, Red String, Green String, Golden String, also made the final and obtained an award.

The Zhejiang New Music Singing and Performing Competition is an annual musical event organized by the provincial department of culture, which aims at awarding and promoting original songs in the province.

Shu Xinhu, composer of the song, works at his desk in the Shengsi Cultural Center. [Photo/ssnews.zjol.com]

Performers from Shengsi county sing the song together at the competition. [Photo/ssnews.zjol.com]